Sonko pays homage to Serigne Touba’s enduring values

The president of Senegal’s National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Khalif of the Mouride Brotherhood, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, in Touba ahead of the annual Grand Magal pilgrimage. Accompanied by a high-level delegation of lawmakers and Pastef officials, he underscored the deep ties between the state and the Mouride community amid ongoing public debates.

Standing before the spiritual leader, Sonko paid tribute to the legacy of Serigne Touba, the revered founder of the Mouride order. « Our joy and respect for Serigne Touba are boundless », he stated, emphasizing the guiding principles of his teachings. « His life and work serve as a model for any leader aspiring to serve a nation. The example he set—rooted in patriotism and self-reliance—reminds us that true freedom begins with independence », a philosophy that closely aligns with the core values of Pastef.

Lessons from history: a call for financial prudence

Sonko also recounted a pivotal moment in the construction of Touba’s Great Mosque, highlighting Serigne Touba’s unwavering commitment to self-financing. « A recent conversation revealed that to fund the mosque, Serigne Touba asked disciples to contribute just 140 francs—while the colonial power offered to build it outright », he recalled. « Yet he refused, knowing the path Touba would take. Had our leaders followed his example, the nation wouldn’t be burdened by unsustainable debt », he remarked, subtly critiquing past fiscal policies.

Quoting Serigne Cheikh Gaindé Fatma, Sonko concluded with a call for transparent governance: « Ask only what people can reasonably give, and invest their contributions with complete honesty ». The statement reflects his vision of leadership driven by citizen effort and fiscal responsibility.

A shared tradition ahead of the Grand Magal

This visit mirrors a similar gesture by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who also met with the Khalif in the days prior to honor the upcoming pilgrimage. Serigne Mountakha expressed his satisfaction with the visit, urging Sonko to continue striving for national peace and unity.